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Transport operators have voiced strong opposition, citing threats to their livelihood and legal inconsistencies. As a result, passengers in major cities like Kathmandu were left stranded.
Offline Riders Exploit Crisis
During the shutdown, several offline ride-sharing riders reportedly charged passengers double or triple the normal fare, conducting informal deals outside of platforms like Pathao and InDrive. This behavior caused significant public frustration.
Nepal Police Issues Public Notice
The Nepal Police issued a public statement urging all riders to refrain from overcharging and requested citizens to report any misconduct to the traffic hotline 103. Free public buses were also deployed across Kathmandu to assist stranded commuters.
Transport Workers’ Seven-Point Demand
- Ban privately registered red-plate vehicles from operating like public transport.
- Cancel 72-hour permits for foreign vehicles entering Nepal.
- Make Social Security Fund registration mandatory for all transport workers.
- Establish an empowered regulatory authority for the transport sector.
- Implement Supreme Court orders on cooperative renewals and property returns.
- Enforce previously agreed labor contracts.
- Shift focus from fining goods vehicles to regulating legal weight limits.
During the protest, photos and footage showed mass gatherings and halted vehicles in key junctions of Kathmandu, underscoring the scale of the movement.
Wider Impact on Gandaki and Other Provinces
The impact of the strike was particularly harsh in Gandaki Province, where the ride-sharing provision originated. Commuters across urban and rural districts were forced to walk or pay exorbitant fares for private travel. Citizens and civil society groups are urging the government to initiate dialogue with unions to resolve the crisis.
Public Concern Over Ride-Sharing Regulation
Many citizens and experts warn that unethical behavior by offline riders may damage the credibility of ride-sharing services altogether. If not addressed promptly, it could result in stricter government regulation or even blanket bans.